percepción
nounCEFR B2
What does “percepción” mean in English?
perception — the way something is understood or interpreted; the process of becoming aware
perception — the way something is understood or interpreted; the process of becoming aware (percepción del riesgo; percepción social)
Example sentences
La percepción del riesgo varía considerablemente según la cultura, la experiencia personal y el nivel educativo.
Risk perception varies considerably depending on culture, personal experience, and educational level.
La empresa lanzó una campaña para cambiar la percepción pública de sus productos entre los jóvenes.
The company launched a campaign to change public perception of its products among young people.
La percepción sensorial disminuye con la edad, especialmente en lo relativo a la vista y el oído.
Sensory perception diminishes with age, especially regarding sight and hearing.
How to use it
La percepción (noun, feminine) means 'perception' — the way something is understood or interpreted; also the psychological process of becoming aware through the senses. Key collocations: percepción del riesgo; percepción social/pública; cambiar la percepción; gestionar la percepción; percepción sensorial. Distinguish from opinión (opinion — a personal view) and observación (observation — objective noting). In communications and marketing, gestionar la percepción (to manage perception) is key.
Common mistake
Percepción (how something is perceived) ≠ opinión (what someone thinks). Percibir = to perceive (verb). Gestionar la percepción = to manage perception (communications field). 'Perception is reality' = la percepción es la realidad (fixed saying in marketing). Don't confuse with observación (which is more objective).